A RACE equality group has hit back at an MP which said its National Lottery funding should be axed.

Billericay Tory MP John Baron branded Essex Racial Equality Council biased towards travellers after it said Basildon Council's bid to evict families from Dale Farm in Crays Hill and Hovefields, Wickford, was causing community tension.

Clive Mardner, a Greenwich councillor, who runs the equality council, said one of its objectives was to foster good relations between different racial groups.

He said: "In meeting this, we act on the behalf of all communities to resolve problems and seek resolution.

"We are aware of the difference of opinion we have in relation to the travellers with Basildon Council."

He said he wrote to Mr Baron to inform him of concerns the organisation had about evictions He said: "We sought his support in responding to these and other on-going community tensions.

"We are disappointed with his actions and do not understand his response of accusing us of bias in informing him there were on-going community tensions."

"We want Essex to be a place where all races and people can live and work without fear. We are aware that Basildon Council supports this vision.

"It is hoped Mr Baron can, with us, see this vision become a reality."